Finding the Balance with Loni and Christine
Loni and Christine are physician assistants (PA) with backgrounds in Emergency Medicine and Primary Care who currently work as professors in higher education. Loni, seeing the end of the wellness line in the ER, and Christine, trying to prevent it in the office, have joined forces in discussing the topics of disease prevention and what it means to be well. Far beyond the bounds of a medical office, we are passionate about improving health literacy and increasing awareness of the daily changes we can make to maximize the quality of our lives. Finding the balance between the "coulds," "shoulds," and "woulds" of life is a quest worth embarking on. We do not have all the answers, but life is about the journey, and we look forward to sharing ours with you.
Contact us at: loniandchristine@gmail.com
Episodes
37 episodes
Episode 37: Hype versus Science: Exploring Infrared Therapy and Saunas
Are infrared light panels, masks, and saunas the future of wellness—or just another health trend? In this episode, we separate fact from fad, diving into the research behind these popular therapies.We explore how infrared light therapy clai...
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Season 2
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Episode 37
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42:04
Episode 36: Thriving in PA School: Strategies for Success and Avoiding Burnout
PA school is a challenging journey, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can do more than just survive—you can thrive! In this episode, we break down the keys to excelling in your didactic and clinical years, from mastering time manag...
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Season 2
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Episode 36
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53:36
Episode 35: Work Perks: Strategies for Staying Happy and Motivated at Your Job
In this episode, we unpack the secrets behind staying motivated and finding satisfaction at work. What fuels your fire—passion, purpose, or recognition? We break down how motivation works, share tips for staying energized through challenges, an...
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Season 2
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Episode 35
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51:11
Episode 34: Sunlight, Seasonal Blues, and Vitamin D: What Really Helps?
In this episode we dig into the connection between vitamin D and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), examining how reduced sunlight can lead to lower vitamin D levels and mood changes. While many turn to supplements for relief, we explore why th...
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Season 2
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Episode 34
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49:03
Episode 33: Pure Perspectives: Water Quality and Hydration
In this episode, we dive into the essential yet often overlooked topic of water quality and hydration. We explore how the water we drink impacts our health, the differences between tap, filtered, and bottled water, and the hidden contaminants l...
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Season 2
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Episode 33
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51:19
Episode 32: Poop, There It Is: Unlocking the Secrets of the Gut Microbiome
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating (and slightly stinky) world of the gut microbiome - your body's microscopic metropolis of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that call your digestive system home. We'll explore how the...
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Season 2
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Episode 32
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45:36
Episode 31: Aging with Grace: Understanding Sarcopenia and How to Combat Muscle Loss
Maintaining strength and mobility becomes essential for a high quality of life as we age. In this episode, we explore sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function that affects millions worldwide. What causes it? How can we preve...
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Season 2
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Episode 31
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41:18
Episode 30: Success & Failure: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Welcome to season 2!What does it mean to succeed? What does it feel like to fail? In this episode, we dive deep into the interconnected nature of success and failure. We'll explore how these experiences shape our personal growth, challe...
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Season 2
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Episode 30
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51:28
Episode 29: Reflect and Reset: A Year in Review
As the year comes to a close, it's time to pause, reflect, and prepare for what lies ahead. In this episode, we'll thoughtfully reflect on the past year - celebrating our wins, learning from challenges, and identifying key takeaways to guide us...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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47:06
Episode 28: Who’s on Top? Exploring Social Climbing and Leadership Development
What does it mean to lead, and how does social hierarchy influence leadership identity? In this episode, we explore the ways social structures shape our understanding of authority, power, and influence. From workplaces to social circles, hierar...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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44:08
Episode 27: Fluoride and Vaccines: Science, Safety, and Controversies
In this episode, we unpack two of the most debated topics in public health: fluoride and vaccines. We delve into the science behind their use, exploring their roles in preventing disease and promoting health and the concerns raised by skeptics....
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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50:05
Episode 26: Rookie of the Year: Surviving Your First Year on the Job
In this episode, we dive into the highs, lows, and lessons of navigating your first year working in medicine. From managing the steep learning curve to finding balance in a demanding profession, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you bu...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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49:03
Episode 25: Weighing the Risks and Benefits of GLP-1 Medications
In this episode we dive into the world of GLP-1 receptor agonists - the class of medications (e.g., Ozempic and Wegovy) making headlines for their role in weight management and diabetes care. We explore the science behind GLP-1 medications, the...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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49:28
Episode 24: Navigating the Food Industry - How to Make Healthy Choices in the Modern World
In this episode, we dive into the complexities of the food industry and explore strategies for making healthier choices. From navigating confusing food labels to understanding the impact of marketing and convenience-driven products, we uncover ...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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57:07
Episode 23: Food Philosophy & Building Lasting Health Habits
In this episode, we dive into the philosophy behind food choices and how these beliefs shape our health and lifestyle. Are you a "food as fuel" person, or do you lean toward food as a source of joy and culture? Join us as we explore different p...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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46:41
Episode 22: The PA Doctoral Degree - What's the Point?
In today's episode, we dive deep into one of the hottest topics in the PA world - should physician assistants/associates (PAs) pursue a doctoral degree? Let's break down the pros and cons of this evolving trend. We discuss everything from poten...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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53:24
Episode 21: Casual Chats and Getting Back on Track
In this laid-back episode, we're back together after a trip to our nation's capital. Join us as we chat about traveling together, our travel habits, and our attempts to get back into the swing of things. There will be detours, speed bumps, and ...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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38:31
Episode 20: The Heart of Healing: The Importance of Bedside Manner
In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of healthcare: bedside manner. How you communicate and connect with your patients can profoundly impact their overall experience and well-being. We'll explo...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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53:52
Episode 19: The Truth About Food Sensitivities: Debunking the Myths of IgG Testing
In this episode, we dive into the world of food sensitivities and explore the growing popularity of IgG testing as a diagnostic tool. Many people turn to these tests hoping to uncover the root cause of digestive discomfort, headaches, fatigue, ...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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48:22
Episode 18: Restoring the Balance and Battling Burnout
In this episode, we dive into the widespread issue of burnout—both in healthcare and in life. Healthcare professionals face immense pressure, juggling the demands of patient care, long hours, and emotional strain, but burnout is something w...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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52:38
Episode 17: The Voices Behind the Mics: Get to Know Loni and Christine
In this special episode, we turn the spotlight on ourselves and invite you to get to know the voices behind the mic. Join us as we share our personal stories and the journeys that led us to start this podcast. We dive into our passion for medic...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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54:10
Episode 16: Quality over Quantity: Developing Relationships
In this episode, we focus on the essential steps to developing meaningful and lasting relationships. Whether it's forming new friendships, deepening romantic connections, or finding love for ourselves, the way we approach relationship-building ...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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47:41
Episode 15: Optimal Team Practice
In this episode, we explore the concept of Optimal Team Practice (OTP) and its potential implications for healthcare delivery. OTP is a framework that advocates for a more collaborative approach within healthcare teams, focusing on increasing t...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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59:10
Episode 14: Approaching an Interview with Grit
In this episode, we dive into the concept of grit and its crucial role in the job interview process. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, the ability to persevere and demonstrate resilience can set you apart from other c...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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49:07
Episode 13: Health Literacy Series III: Uncoding the Guidelines
This is the third episode of a 3-episode series in which we explore the approach to healthcare guidelines. Preventative care is the cornerstone of maintaining good health and catching potential issues early, but understanding the myriad of guid...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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47:55